Siemens 60 Amp Breaker for EV Charger (Type QP) Review
The Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) is ideal for hardwired 48A Level 2 EV charger installations. Designed for Siemens PL and ES panels, it ensures seamless compatibility, reliable short-circuit protection, and easy installation with Insta-wire technology—delivering safe, consistent power for high-performance EV charging setups.
The Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) is essential for high-powered, hardwired EV charger installations, ensuring safety, reliability, and seamless compatibility. Designed for Siemens PL and ES series load centers, it supports 48-amp Level 2 EV chargers—including the Tesla Universal Wall Connector, Tesla Wall Connector, and J1772 48A EV charging models—providing optimal continuous 48A load support for fast charging up to 11.5 kW.
Explore our Electric Vehicle Charger Circuit Breaker Selection Guide (USA – NEC) to find the right size breaker for your EV charging setup. Ensure safety, compliance, and optimal performance with expert recommendations.
What I Was Looking For
I needed a circuit breaker that could handle my Level 2 EV charger, which draws 48 amps continuously at 240V. Safety and reliability were my top concerns, as EV chargers operate for extended periods at high loads. I also wanted a breaker that would fit seamlessly into my existing Siemens panel without requiring additional modifications.
Why I Chose This Dedicated EV Charger Breaker
After researching several options, I found the Siemens Q260 60-amp double pole type QP circuit breaker to be the best budget-friendly and among the most recommended for their panels. Many electricians and EV owners praise their reliability in handling high-power applications. With a 10,000 AIC interrupting rating for robust short-circuit protection and an Insta-wire feature for easy installation, this breaker stood out. While other brands are available, I didn’t want to risk voiding my panel’s warranty by using a third-party breaker.
The Siemens 60 Amp QP breaker provides both short-circuit and overcurrent protection using a thermal-magnetic mechanism:
- Magnetic trip – Reacts instantly to short circuits, preventing dangerous surges.
- Thermal trip – Trips with a slight delay for overcurrent conditions, protecting wiring from sustained excessive loads.
This dual protection that trips the 60A dedicated EV charger circuit breaker ensures my EV charging circuit remains safe from sudden electrical faults and prolonged overheating, giving me confidence in my setup.
The Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) offers seamless plug-and-play compatibility with Siemens PL and ES panels making it ideal for DIY EV charger installations or quick certified EV charger installations, one thing I know for sure choosing a properly rated breaker from the same brand as my load center gave me peace of mind on the integrity of my electric vehicle branch circuit.
What I Love About It
- Safety: The breaker provides overload and short-circuit protection, which is crucial for high-draw devices like EV chargers.
- Ease of Installation: The QP breaker features a plug-in design, making installation quick and hassle-free.
- Compatibility: Designed for Siemens panels, ensuring proper fit and function.
- Build Quality: Solid construction with a durable thermal-magnetic mechanism.
- Performance: Delivers consistent protection and operation, with no issues during extended charging sessions.
- Manufacturer Support: Using an OEM breaker ensures that my Siemens panel warranty remains intact.
Issues I’ve Encountered
- Panel Compatibility: While perfect for Siemens PL and ES panels, this breaker is not universally compatible with other electrical panels. Always verify your panel type before purchasing.
- Amperage: The 60-amp rating may require a panel upgrade if your existing electrical panel lacks sufficient capacity for high-power EV charging.
- Physical Size: The double-pole design takes up two breaker slots, which could be a limitation in smaller panels.
- Break-in Period: Some users report a slight “burn-in” period where the breaker may feel warm initially, though I haven’t experienced this issue.
Best Experience With This Breaker
Installing my 48A Tesla Wall Connector initially seemed complex, but the Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) made the process seamless. Its Insta-Wire feature simplified wiring, allowing me to securely connect my 4 AWG solid copper wires— the ideal wire size for a 48-amp EV charger — in minutes.
I connected the L1 and L2 hot wires from the circuit breaker to the EV charger, routed the neutral wire from the neutral busbar to the charger, and connected the ground wire from the ground busbar to the EV charger’s ground terminal for optimal EV charger grounding. To ensure safety and compliance, I enclosed the EV charger wiring in a 1 ¼-inch conduit, following the recommended Siemens 60 Amp Breaker wiring diagram for EV charging below.
Proper Siemens 60 Amp Breaker Wiring for EV Charging
On the first test run, my charger delivered a stable 48-amp draw, effortlessly charging my Tesla Model S at a rate of 44 miles of range per hour with a peak 11.5 kW / 48A output. Since then, I’ve charged my EV multiple times, and the breaker has consistently performed flawlessly—no voltage drops, no overcurrent shutdowns (which Tesla detects as a charging fault), no excessive heat buildup on circuit components, and no charging speed throttling.
This level of reliability and efficiency ensures optimal performance and safety for my 48A EV charging circuit, making the Siemens 60 Amp breaker one of the best 60 amp breakers for Tesla chargers and an ideal choice for high-powered EV installations for homeowners with Siemens PL and ES panels.
Compatible EV Chargers
Pairing the Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) with a high-performance 48-amp EV charger ensures a safe, efficient, and reliable charging experience—provided you have a Siemens PL or ES panel. This breaker is ideal for 48-amp Level 2 chargers, such as those shown below, delivering up to 11.5 kW of power for faster home charging.
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger with NACS delivers fast, reliable charging for Tesla and NACS vehicles. It offers up to 46 miles of range per hour, features easy installation, and is UL-listed for safety. Smart charging capabilities and durable construction make it a great value at a competitive price.
The Enphase IQ 50 40 Amp Smart EV Charger delivers 9.6kW of power at 240V with a hardwired installation and a 25ft cable. Featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, a ruggedized J1772 connector, and safety certifications, it ensures reliable, efficient charging. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it's ideal for home use and future-proofing.
Final Verdict
This breaker is a must-have for anyone installing a 48 amps Level 2 EV charger on Siemens PL and ES panels. It combines safety, reliability, and ease of installation in one package. If you want a worry-free setup that ensures your EV charger runs smoothly while protecting your home’s wiring, the Siemens 60 Amp Double Pole Breaker is the way to go.
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